1. Tougher measures on retail crime
One of the major changes is the introduction of a law that makes assaulting retail workers a crime. Something Co-op and Nisa have heavily campaigned for as part of the ‘Safer Colleagues, Safer Communities’ campaign, which advocates for improved safety measures and stronger legal protections for shopworkers. Together, we aim to reduce abuse of retail employees, ensure a better working environment and foster community support.
Clamping down on in-store assaults is part of a broader set of reforms under the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which includes shoplifting. Recent figures show an alarming increase to 1,200 offences per day and, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), retail crime costs businesses and customers £3.3 billion annually. So, the government plans to remove the prosecution theft threshold of £200, signalling stricter penalties for all thefts, regardless of value.
By addressing the abuse of retail employees and shoplifting, the government aims to provide a safer working environment for retail employees, and in turn, a more secure shopping experience for customers.
2. High fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) regulations
Building on the regulations initiated by the previous government, Labour has pledged to restrict the advertising of junk food and introduced new plans to curb the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children. These policies are part of a broader strategy to tackle childhood obesity and improve public health.
Data from the National Child Measurement Programme, published by NHS Digital, shows in 2021/22 10.1% of children aged 4–5 were obese – with an additional 12.1% considered overweight. These figures increased dramatically by Year 6, where 23.4% of children were obese and 14.3% overweight.
For retailers, this means they will need to comply with stricter guidelines around the promotion and sale of unhealthy products – particularly those targeted towards children. These changes may lead to adjustments in marketing strategies, product placement and sales practices. For more information on high salt, fat and sugar (HFSS) guidance visit https://www.acs.org.uk/advice/hfss-regulations.
3. Changes to employment rights and minimum wage
Labour’s manifesto includes a promise to make work pay, which includes removing discriminatory age bands for minimum wage increases. Currently, adults aged 21 and over earn a minimum hourly wage of £11.44, while those aged 18–20 are entitled to just £8.60. Labour plans to ensure every adult worker benefits from the increase, which could raise wages across the board.
However, these changes have caused concerns within the industry, especially among small businesses. The Federation of Small Businesses has highlighted worries about the cost of implementing wage hikes and other employment rights reforms.
The government’s Employment Rights Bill, introduced in the King’s Speech, also seeks to enhance workers’ protections, ending exploitative practices like zero-hour contracts and ‘fire and rehire’ schemes. Additionally, it will establish the Fair Work Agency, a new body to enforce workplace rights.
Retailers will need to navigate these employment changes carefully, balancing the need to comply with new laws and managing operational costs. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, stated, ‘the retail sector, which employs millions, is keen to engage with the government to ensure the practicality of these new measures.’
4. Support for British farming and food security
Labour has also introduced several bills with significant implications for British farming and the nation’s food security. These include reforms related to planning, infrastructure, crime and policing, mental health, skills development and renewable energy. Changes are expected to revitalise farm business confidence and contribute to climate-friendly, high-welfare food production.
Farmers and growers are key to the nation’s food supply, but there are concerns over heavy reliance on imported produce. Currently, nearly half of the UK’s vegetables and over 80% of its fruit are imported. An open letter, coordinated by the Soil Association, urged the government to scale up the UK’s horticulture sector. This call to action emphasised the need for more home-grown fruit and vegetables to avoid potential supermarket shortages and further strain on public health and the environment.
Retailers, especially those in the food sector, will need to adapt to these shifts. And as domestic production increases, they may benefit from a more stable and sustainable food supply. At the same time, they will be required to support efforts by promoting locally sourced, sustainable products to meet consumer demand.
As policies are rolled out, engagement with the government and local MPs will be critical for ensuring reforms are both effective and workable for the retail industry.